Friday, January 30, 2015

10 Verses for an Anxious Heart

Last night I had such a vivid dream that my husband had passed away and I woke up crying hysterically at 5am. Even as my husband kissed my face and held on to me, it still felt so real! When I was little I use to have really bad dreams about losing my family, and now I’m having them about my husband.
 
We all have a mountain. Mine has been dealing with anxiety, and losing someone I love is my greatest one. I have come a long way and have learned that most anxieties don't come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it. I know things don’t always go as planned – that’s life, but I enjoy the accountability that comes with planning. It took me a while to understand that I was NOT in control. With my lips I was saying, 'God is in control' but with my heart I was hoping my plans would follow through. It’s a completely different story once believed He WAS in control. Not I. God. And His plans are FARRRR better than mine. Yes, I still struggle. It’s the mountain that I have to climb, sometimes on a daily basis! Except now, I don't just stand in front of it, staring at it while panicking. Now, I have the harness that is Christ and with Him, I can climb over the mountain and into a life filled with grace and promise. Do you struggle with an anxious heart? Here are some of the few verses that help me remember, God is with me and for me. 
 
 
 
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
 
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
 
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
 
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:25-34
 
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1
 
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love -1 John 4:18
 
 
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7
 
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. -Psalm 55:22
 
 
Blessings,
Jessica

 
Wednesday, January 7, 2015

25 things I learned before my 26th Birthday





1. No one is too young or too old to be used by God. You are always the perfect age.


2.  Life is happening right now. Start doing the things you've always wanted to do. Write them down. Make a timeline. Plan & execute.

3. Don't sweat the small stuff. That stuff won’t matter in ten years...most likely even in one year.

4. The things you are passionate about are not random. They are your calling.

5. Life itself is a gift, never forget to thank God for it. Moreover, never forget to make the most of it.

6. Make new traditions and pass them on.

7. Let people know what they mean to you. Show love, grace, appreciation, generosity.

8. Be careful who you surround yourself with. Choose your influences wisely. Life is too short for fake butter, cheese or people.

9. Regularly unplug. Turn your phone off, turn everything off. Calibrate.

10. Spend more time in nature. Taking a walk and admiring the work of the Lord always changes my mood and perspective for the better. Always. 

11. Grow. Try hard things. Push the limits of your comfort zone. 

12. Be intentional.

13. Make memories. Plan trips, occasions, experiences, gatherings. Take photos. Make home videos. Don't let life go by.

14. Be open to change, especially when it comes to people in your life. People come and go. The ones who are meant to stay will stay.

15. Take care of your body. God created it. Jesus died for it. The Holy Spirit lives in it.

16. Show pride in your identity. Your work. Your name. Your house. Where you came from. Everything.

17. Forgive. Show grace. Love hard and remember there is only ONE who is perfect. We all fall short of His glory.

18. Your work matters. No matter how insignificant or unimpressive you believe your work to be, there is value in it. Take pride in what you do and others will too. Commit yourself to a high level of quality work in your occupation, continually learn & improve yourself, and embrace failure as part of the process.

19. You are responsible for your own happiness. Not your spouse/bf/gf. Not your family. Not your friends.

20. You won’t be fully ready for everything in life. But you can be prepared.

21. Live below your means. Don’t get into debt. Save money but remember, you only live once. Don’t be too tight with your money. Have a little fun and enjoy things.

22. You don’t need someone to complete you. You need someone to accept you completely.

23. The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.

24. Love people for who they are not for who they can be or what they can do for you.

25. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Please, grow up.
xo
 

Merry Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  
Isaiah 9:6
 
As we gather to celebrate Christmas with friends and family, I can't help but think of Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus gave up everything when he left His throne and His glory to fulfill God's plan. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 I pray that we may continue to place Christ above all things and seek the things of His kingdom. I encourage you as you celebrate His glorious birth to also give thanksgiving for His perfect and sovereign will.








Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Love,
The Moran's